Is Spain's Maria Cristina "deaf and dumb?"

September 21, 1913

According to the Manchester Guardian, relatives of Queen Ena of Spain are worried that her younger daughter, Infanta Maria Cristina, will be "deaf and dumb" like her elder brother, Jaime. It is believed that the Infanta, who was born on December 12, 1911, is deaf and will never learn how to speak.
"The pessimistic reports" of the royal family's physicians "have nearly broken the heart of the Queen." She and her children are frequent visitors to convents in the Madrid area, where she prays for the children, and asks for intercession on behalf of her nearly two-year-old daughter.

Infante Jaime, 6, was born deaf, and has never spoken. He had undergone numerous treatments, and the Queen sent his doctor to the United States to learn more about treatments for the "deaf and dumb." The doctor learned about the treatment for Helen Keller, who cannot see, hear or speak. Queen Ena is also supporting the growth of schools for children who are "deaf and dumb."